In a statement released yesterday, Sprouse said: “It took a lot of thought to come to this conclusion, but I’ve decided to step back as the artist on this story,

“The media surrounding this story reached the point where it took away from the actual work, and that’s something I wasn’t comfortable with. My relationship with DC Comics remains as strong as ever and I look forward to my next project with them.”

DC also released a statement regarding his departure, reports USA Today. It said that the release date for Card’s Superman story would be pushed back until a new artist had been found.

It read: ”We fully support, understand and respect Chris’s decision to step back from hisAdventures of Superman assignment… Chris is a hugely talented artist, and we’re excited to work with him on his next DC Comics project. In the meantime, we will re-solicit the story at a later date when a new artist is hired.”